Nokia: Can Transfer Calls to 3G Network

Published 6:00 pm, Thursday, November 28, 2002

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) _ Nokia Corp. said late Friday that it was able to transfer voice calls between a third-generation and second-generation mobile network, clearing a significant technological hurdle to the launch of the high-bandwidth 3G standard.

The Espoo, Finland-based company said it performed successful voice call handovers between a live 3G network to Vodafone Omnitel's commercial GSM, or Global System for Mobile communications, network.

Nokia made the call transfers in Italy using its 6650 3G phone and Vodafone Omnitel's existing 2G network infrastructure, which Nokia supplied.

The 3G networks, which use the WCDMA, or Wideband Code Division Multiple Access standard, are expected to provide new capacity and deliver services like faster Internet browsing from wireless devices.

But European operators are reluctant to launch their 3G networks until they're confident that subscribers won't be disconnected when they move into areas that are still covered only by 2G networks.